Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited Rosita’s Bridge in San Antonio, Texas — a charming historic footbridge along the River Walk with deep cultural roots and a story that spans decades. Originally designed in 1939 as part of the River Walk project by architect Robert H.H. Hugman, this graceful arched bridge carries pedestrians over the San Antonio River and leads directly to the Arneson River Theater. In 1992, the bridge was renamed Rosita’s Bridge in honor of Rosita Fernández, a beloved Tejano singer who was a cornerstone of San Antonio’s music scene for more than 25 years. Fernández frequently crossed this very bridge on her way to perform at Fiesta Noche del Rio and other community celebrations, earning her the title “San Antonio’s First Lady of Song.” Walking across the bridge today feels like stepping through layers of history — not just architectural, but cultural and personal as well. If you enjoy historic places with meaning, beautiful urban settings, and stories rooted in local culture, Rosita...

Simba and I visited the World’s Largest Virgin Mary Mosaic in San Antonio, Texas — an enormous public artwork known as La Veladora of Our Lady of Guadalupe . Standing more than 40 feet tall and covering an entire side of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center , this breathtaking mosaic transforms a city wall into a powerful symbol of faith, culture, and community identity. Depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe in vivid tile and color, the artwork immediately commands attention. It doesn’t feel hidden or subtle — it watches over the West Side proudly, blending spirituality, heritage, and public art into one unforgettable landmark. If you enjoy meaningful public art that reflects cultural history and spiritual significance, this mosaic is one of San Antonio’s most powerful places to experience. 🌵 Art, Faith, and Cultural Identity The mosaic was created by renowned Chicano artist Jesse Treviño and dedicated in the early 2000s as a tribute to Mexican-American heritage and Catholic tradition....

Simba and I visited Chris Park in San Antonio, Texas — a one-acre urban oasis and living memorial created in memory of Christopher Goldsbury by his mother, artist and philanthropist Linda Pace . Opened in 2005, the park was intentionally designed as a place for reflection, play, and connection, with art and landscape woven seamlessly into the space. Unlike a typical city park, Chris Park feels deeply personal. Every path, bench, and open area carries meaning, creating an environment that invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and simply be present. If you enjoy meaningful public spaces, art that tells a story, and hidden gems that connect community and memory, Chris Park is a must-see stop in San Antonio. 🌵 A Park Designed with Intention Chris Park blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. Lush plantings soften the space, while winding pathways guide visitors through areas meant for contemplation as well as play. Site-specific artwork by Teresita Fernández adds emotional depth ...

Simba and I visited The Picasso Benches in San Antonio, Texas — a vibrant collection of artistically painted benches scattered throughout public spaces across the city. Inspired by the creative legacy of Pablo Picasso, each bench is a one-of-a-kind work of art designed to celebrate community, imagination, and local spirit. What makes these benches special isn’t just their bold colors or playful designs — it’s how they transform everyday city spaces into moments of surprise and joy. They invite people to pause, sit, and engage with art in a way that feels natural and accessible. If you enjoy discovering quirky public art, strolling through interesting neighborhoods, or collecting unique photo ops while traveling, the Picasso Benches are a great stop in San Antonio. 🌵 Art Meant to Be Part of Everyday Life Unlike gallery art, the Picasso Benches are meant to be used. They exist in parks, sidewalks, and public gathering spaces, blending creativity directly into daily routines. Each bench...

Simba and I stopped at the Giant Hog Stand, also known as Frank's Hog Stand , in San Antonio, Texas — home to one of the city’s most unmistakable roadside icons. This massive pig statue has greeted hungry travelers for decades and remains a beloved local landmark tied to the history of the original Hog Stand restaurant. Larger than life and impossible to miss, the hog has long outlasted its original purpose, evolving into a symbol of roadside culture, nostalgia, and San Antonio personality. It’s the kind of landmark that doesn’t need an explanation — it just makes people smile. If you enjoy unusual roadside icons, big photo ops, or fun landmarks off the beaten path, the Giant Hog Stand is a perfect stop while exploring San Antonio. 🌵 A Pig That Became a Landmark The giant hog was originally created to draw attention to the historic Hog Stand restaurant, once a popular stop for barbecue and comfort food. Over time, the statue became more famous than the restaurant itself, cementing...

Simba and I visited one of San Antonio’s most unusual and infamous burial sites — the grave of Sandra West , the socialite who was famously buried in her Ferrari. In a final request that stunned the public, she was laid to rest seated in the driver’s seat of her car, wearing her favorite white lace nightgown, and sealed inside a burial vault beneath the cemetery. While the grave itself is quiet and understated, the story behind it has turned this spot into one of the most talked-about burials in Texas history. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary stories are hidden beneath the most ordinary-looking places. If you enjoy unusual history, cemetery explorations, and true stories that sound almost unbelievable, this is a memorable stop in San Antonio. 🌵 A Final Wish That Became Legend Sandra West’s burial wishes sparked headlines and controversy when they were revealed. Her desire to be buried in her beloved Ferrari challenged norms, raised legal questions, and captivated ...